Scorecard An unbeaten 93 from Ben Brown helped rebuild England’s innings and steered them to a 16-run win over Pakistan in the Under-19 triangular tournament in Colombo.Brown arrived in the middle with England in disarray on 44 for 5 but he added 105 for the sixth wicket with opener Dan Redfern who had stood alone while the top order folded. Brown received good support from the tail as England finished on 213.Pakistan also lost regular wickets but with the exception of 56 from Usman Salahuddin, there was nobody able to play an anchor innings and their chase was further undermined by some tight bowling which saw them add only 35 runs between the 30th and 40th overs.Liam Dawson was the pick of England’s bowlers with 3 for 47 from his 10 overs.
Sialkot lost some ground to Karachi Harbour, conceding a lead of 216 runs but this should not bother them inordinately as they are assured of a place in the final irrespective of the outcome of the current match played at the United Bank Limited Sports Complex in Karachi.Karachi Harbour, who had a 71-run lead when the third day began, pressed on, and reached 145 for 3 in their second innings. The highlight, undoubtedly, was the 225-ball 46 from Sialkot’s Tariq Mahmood. Sialkot managed 222 after their last three wickets added 77. In response Khalid Latif of Karachi batted one over short of 200 balls for his 58 while Fawad Alam stayed unbeaten on 43. Karachi Harbour, who ended the day on 145 for 3, can rest easy, for they have been saved the prospect of avoiding relegation by Lahore Shalimar, who have already taken the downward plunge.Lahore Shalimar have been relegated to the Silver League after their last match of the league stage against Peshawar was abandoned without a ball being bowled in three days. Bad light and rain combined to make play impossible, and the game at the Arbab Niaz Stadium was called off with a day left to play. This means that Lahore Shalimar are officially relegated while Peshawar, who were champions in 1998-99 and 2004-05, finished in fifth place.Karachi Urban were left in tatters by the offspin bowling of Saaed Ajmal in their second innings, but still managed to set Faisalabad a target of 313 runs, and managed to pick up three vital wickets at the end of the third day of their Quaid-e-Azam Gold League match at the National Stadium in Karachi. Although Karachi Urban could muster only 158 in their second innings, their first-innings lead of 154 put them in a position of strength. It was a lead that would be crucial as Karachi Urban fell prey to the wiles of Ajmal, the 29-year-old offspinner, who took 6 for 49, helped along by the mediumpace of Asad Ali (3 for 48). By the end of the day, however, Karachi were back on top as Faisalabad had lost three wickets for 37 runs and were still 276 short of the target. Faisalabad need a win, which looks improbable at this stage, to book themselves a place in the final against Sialkot.
A controlled half-century from Justin Langer, and some expansive hitting from the rest of the top order, carried Western Australia to a convincing six-wicket win against Queensland at Perth. The left-arm chinaman bowler, Beau Casson, was the pick of the WA attack, with 3 for 30, and only a late charge from Andy Bichel boosted the score towards 200.Once WA sped away at more than a run-a-ball the result was never in doubt. While Langer played himself in the other batsmen attacked with freedom. Luke Ronchi blasted 31 off 25 balls, leaving the stage set for Ryan Campbell in his final one-day game before retirement. His 41-ball 40 was a fitting way to finish his limited overs career, during which time he has never been afraid to express himself.Once Campbell had fallen to Michael Kasprowicz, Shaun Marsh and Langer added 86 in 18 overs. Langer eased to his fifty off 87 balls and WA managed to secure the bonus point by winning within 40 overs.Despite the comprehensive defeat, the day had begun promisingly for Queensland. Jimmy Maher and the debutant, Ryan Broad, opened with a stand of 70 in under 19 overs. But Casson’s three wickets stalled the innings and he was backed up by tight bowling from Peter Worthington. Bichel cut loose in the closing overs, striking five fours and three sixes, but he was soon receiving similar treatment from the WA batsmen.
Glamorgan have had to cancel their Twenty20 match against Bangladesh A, provisionally set for June 13 2005 at Sophia Gardens, because of the tourists’ heavy schedule. The ECB had liaised with their counterparts in Bangladesh to work out a solution, but the match will not take place.Mike Fatkin, Glamorgan’s chief executive, sympathised with fans. “This is obviously disappointing to us and to our members, who would have enjoyed seeing Glamorgan taking on the tourists in a Twenty20 floodlit game,” he said. “However, we do have the pleasure of hosting the Australia/Bangladesh NatWest Series one-day international in Cardiff the following Saturday, June 18, and all cricket fans in Wales will be looking forward to welcoming the Bangladeshi team for that game.”Bangladesh A are also scheduled to play a three-day match against Glamorgan in the last week of July, but a venue has not yet been finalised, although Swansea had been earmarked. Fatkin explained: “The St Helen’s Balconiers, the body responsible for generating the funds which allow Glamorgan to continue playing in west Wales, has decided not to accept the offer of the Bangladesh A game.”
James Anderson: out with an ankle injury Getty Images
James Anderson will miss England’s first Test against Sri Lanka – as well as the next two one-day internationals – after he twisted his ankle playing squash. Anderson went over on his ankle playing squash at the team’s hotel after torrential rain washed out a scheduled practice on Wednesday evening.Although X-rays showed no break, an MRI scan showed soft-tissue damage to the area and Anderson, who is on crutches, is now expected to be out of action for the next fortnight. “James has had scans and x-rays which have revealed some ligament trauma,” Dean Conway, England’s one-day physio, explained. “We need a couple more days to assess it, but I’m quite optimistic that he will be back from 10 days to three weeks. Realistically the second Test in Kandy is his likeliest deadline.”Yorkshire’s Matthew Hoggard, who joins the rest of the Test squad tonight, will provide fast-bowling cover for James Kirtley and Richard Johnson in Sunday’s third ODI, also in Colombo.
From a critical crisis to a resplendent rearguard to exhilarating excitement.Yesterday’s second day of the Busta Series match between Barbados and the Windward Islands produced unimaginable drama and unexpected thrills that ensured the biggest crowd at Kensington Oval this season gained value for money.Twenty-four minutes into the morning session, Courtney Browne hurried out of the Garfield Sobers Pavilion seemingly unprepared to respond to the danger that faced Barbados.ScintillatingBy the time he marched off the ground five hours later, he had splendidly transformed the match with a scintillating century that surely must be acknowledged as the finest batting display of his career.I’ve played a few good innings in my time and this would have to go down as one of the best, if not the best, he told SUNSPORT.When you are one of the more experienced batsmen, you have to hang in there and make runs. After we were behind, it was just a matter of batting.His 161 off 196 balls was his fourth and highest first-class hundred and was decorated with dashing drives, a hooked six and a few of his trademark slog-sweeps that no one else in the region can match.For most of the time he spent unleashing his series of breathtaking strokes, he found an important ally in Sulieman Benn.The pair featured in Barbados regional first-class cricket record partnership that sent the more than 3 000 spectators into a wild frenzy, especially after tea when 108 runs were reeled off in an enthralling hour.Browne, dropped immediately after passing his hundred, motored on to the extent that his last 61 runs came from 36 balls.He was especially severe on Windwards captain Rawl Lewis, who conceded 29 in an over in which he was banged for two sixes and three fours.Benn clobbered 78 that included several meaty off-side strokes and although Barbados still fell short of the Windwards’ total by 18 runs, the psychological advantage had remarkably shifted because of the eighth-wicket association of 184 between the two stinging ‘Bs’.The hosts were down in the dumps at 30 for four within the first half-hour and 118 for seven when Benn joined Browne 35 minutes after lunch.There was always hope, Browne said. I told myself that as long as I kept scoring it would have been all right. But I definitely wasn’t looking for 300.Windwards, who did nothing wrong in the first session when the impressive 21-year-old Dominican fast bowler Fernix Thomas spearheaded the effort, suddenly started to wilt under the pressure of the rampaging bats of Browne and Benn.Stunned silenceIt was a sharp contrast to the morning period when Kensington was stunned into silence following the cheap dismissals of captain Philo Wallace, and the youthful trio of Martin Nurse, Kurt Wilkinson and Dwayne Smith.Both openers were back in the pavilion before a run had been added to the overnight score of 21.Wallace gave a low catch to mid-off, while Nurse, the 16-year-old debutant, hardly moved his feet as he edged to the keeper.Spectators were still trickling into the Oval when Thomas produced a double-strike that left Barbados in dire straits.Wilkinson’s attempted drive was plucked out of their air by gully by the diving Lewis, but poor Smith could do nothing to adequately negotiate a vicious ground-eater to the very first ball he received.Almost two minutes had passed before Browne came out still fiddling with his equipment and seemingly in one state of disarray.I was definitely caught off-guard, he admitted. When `Smittie’ got out, I only had on my left pad. I had to hussle.I went out there with two different gloves, no box, no thigh pad. I just had to relax, stay focussed, and the experience took me through.There was even further drama to follow. The third ball he received, Browne launched into a big drive that flew like a rocket and directly into the chest of Rommel Currency who was no more than about ten yards from the bat at short cover.As Currency fell, Thomas desperately tried to catch the rebound from the fielder’s body.Browne, however, continued to play aggressively. He was soon into his stride with a cover-driven four and a hooked six off Thomas.By lunch, he had reached fifty, but Barbados lost the important wickets of Floyd Reifer and Ian Bradshaw either side of the interval.Reifer was caught by wicket-keeper Junior Murray, who was standing up to the left-arm fast-medium stuff of Kenroy Peters. Bradshaw fell to a low second slip catch by Devon Smith to give Thomas another of his five wickets.After Ryan Austin became another victim of Thomas, Benn and Browne went about the repair job.Benn came out and played a very good innings, Browne said about the contribution of the tall left-hander.There was no need for me to push anymore after he came out and was scoring like that. It was just a matter of hanging in.
Derbyshire needed only 20 minutes to wrap up the victory that keeps alive their slender chance of staying in Division One of the championship.Durham’s last four wickets went down in five overs as Derbyshire won by 232 runs, their first victory in any cricket since late June.The day began with Durham on 257-6, still 243 runs short of victory, and another blazing hot morning offered no prospect of rain coming to their rescue.In the end, Derbyshire wrapped up the contest in five overs with Kevin Dean and Tim Munton each taking two wickets.Dean started the slide with the first ball of the second over when John Wood was bowled with no addition to the total and after an edge to the third man boundary, Andy Pratt was caught behind off Munton for 21.Melvyn Betts was lbw to Dean and the end came when Steve Harmison pushedforward at Munton and was bowled, giving Derbyshire 15 points.Durham took only three points from the game which has dented their chances of staying up and although Derbyshire have given themselves a glimmer of hope, they still need Kent to collapse.They also need to get back the eight points that were deducted for a sub standard pitch against Surrey in June and negotiations with Lord’s are still ongoing.
Aston Villa have been one of the more active clubs over the past few years in terms of being busy in the transfer market with numerous players being recruited to Villa Park.
Looking at the previous January transfer window, the Villans secured the signatures of four new faces, one of which was former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, who joined from Barcelona on loan until the end of the season.
With the next summer transfer window in mind, it seems as though the Brazilian’s presence at Villa Park could play a part in another former Premier League star’s decision to return to England from abroad.
What’s the talk?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones had this to say about one potential factor Villa have that could sway Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum into joining the Midlands club amid recent transfer links.
He said: “I think Wijnaldum could look towards Coutinho and think he seems happy, seems to be in form, is at a good club and there’s big hopes for what they can achieve there.“
Villa’s new Coutinho?
Since joining Steven Gerrard’s side, the winger has scored four goals and provided three assists in nine league games, showing that it didn’t take him too long to get acclimatised back into the Premier League.
With that in mind, it’s easy to see why Wijnaldum could be looking at his former Reds teammate in envy after the Dutchman previously shared his unhappiness with his current situation at the French club.
Labelled as a “machine” by The Athletic’s Liverpool journalist James Pearce, as well as being “relentless” on the pitch, the £22.5m-rated midfielder could be a perfect player for Johan Lange to secure a deal for this summer, in a similar sort of way they signed Coutinho.
Given how the club missed out on signing Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma in January, this would be the perfect response from the club’s transfer chief. Considering his expertise and qualities at the top, he would be a simply wonderful signing.
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If the Midlands club end up securing their Brazilian loan star on a permanent basis when his current temporary spell comes to an end, this could further improve their chances of persuading Wijnaldum to make a move back to England to link up with the Brazilian and play under the guidance of Gerrard.
After all, eye-catching signings will always convince others to make a switch; just look at Newcastle last January.
In other news: Gerrard must finally unleash “raw” 19 y/o AVFC sensation with a “fantastic profile”
Zimbabwe’s selectors have not sprung any surprises in their 15-man squad for the five-ODI series in Pakistan.Ray Price and Gary Brent, who have both returned to the side after turning their backs on international cricket, are named, as is Sean Williams, whose inclusion in the side which played in South Africa last week reportedly caused a bitter dispute among the selectors who wanted another black player instead.Meanwhile, Peter Chingoka, Zimbabwe Cricket’s chairman, denied claims that his board was putting player safety second to the standing of the country within the ICC. “The players and their technical staff are all comfortable with the tour,” he said. “I will accompany the team on the first leg of the tour and the vice-chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, will then join the travelling party when I return on January 17 or 18. The chairman of the cricket committee, Cyprian Mandenge, will take over from Mukuhlani on January 24 and return with the team.”Critics point out that the women’s World Cup qualifier has been moved from Pakistan to South Africa on safety grounds and accuse ZC of not taking the proper steps to establish the security situation in the country. Zimbabwe will be there in the build-up to the national elections in mid February when many are predicting an escalation in violence.Zimbabwe squad Prosper Utseya (capt), Gary Brent, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Keith Dabengwa, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Chris Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Ray Price, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Brendon Taylor, Sean Williams
With the four-match series against the West Indies winding to a close, India are stuck with more questions than answers. While it would be over the top to say they are indisarray, the Indian team certainly needs to clear the question marks hanging over certain key players in the lead-up to the World Cup.The most important, perhaps, is Irfan Pathan, who had, through his ability to score runs both at the top of the innings and later on, given the team the option of going light on the batting and playing the extra bowler. But, with his bowling falling away to the extent that he lost his place in the team, all talk of balance seems a bit of a luxury.Speaking at a press conference ahead of the final one-dayer against West Indies, where Pathan is set to return to the side on the back of seven wickets in his last Ranji Trophy match, Rahul Dravid took the safety-first option when asked about him. “The proof of the pudding will be in the eating,” said Dravid. “When Irfan goes out there and playsa few games and performs, only then will we know. I’m just looking forwardto him playing again. Him bowling well and performing well – those areimportant words – are critical to the balance of the team so we hope thathe’ll do just that.” Pathan’s batting form has been on a steady rise, sothere’s no real concern there. If his bowling comes through then that’sone less headache India have.Sreesanth’s meteoric rise in Test cricket has, intriguingly, had little todo with his fortunes in the one-day game. His performances in Tests,both in West Indies and in South Africa, were forceful and filled withpurpose, sometimes even inspirational, but he has bled runsin ODIs. He’s the kind of bowler who you want to be able tocall up at any time, but he’s by no means a certainty to make the cut forthe World Cup just yet.”Sree’s a young bowler and is competing for a spot in the side as anyoneis. He’s finding out it’s not that easy to bowl on Indian wickets. He’sgot to keep learning and improving. That’s part of what it is to be ayoung cricketer. We’ve got to be patient with some of our youngcricketers. It can be hard to bring on and develop a young player here inIndia because of the expectancy of immediate results,” said Dravid. “Thatdoesn’t always happen, especially with the difference between domestic andinternational cricket being a big one. You look at some of the other teams – Marlon Samuels has been doing well but they’ve given him so much time and been patient with him. That’s something we have to learn.”
The reason why most teams want to play three fast bowlers is thePower Plays. But with the experience of our two main spinners they might beable to do that job and that could be quite critical
The other massive cause for concern is Munaf Patel. Not long ago he wasleading the pack of young fast bowlers coming through. Now, after thesorry episode of South Africa, where he sat out virtually the wholeseries only to return for the final Test well below full fitness andembarrass himself, the road back may not be so easy. Munaf’s honesty inrevealing the extent of his injury was under question, and no captain willstick his neck out for a player who he believes has been economical withthe truth. Dravid, though, had encouraging words for Munaf. “Just watchingMunaf in the nets today, even though he was not in the squad, was good. The way he was running in and bowling …” he said. “We needed to find outwhether he had come back fit and from what I’ve seen in the nets that’sheartening.”Dravid, who was batting against Munaf and even otherwise watching himfrom close quarters in the nets, may have seen something that was notobviously evident. But from thirty feet away it certainly did not looklike Munaf was near full fitness. He was not steaming in, appeared to bebowling well within himself – almost as though he feared a relapse – anddid not extract that trademark rearing bounce. But with only four gamesagainst Sri Lanka left before the World Cup, Munaf will certainly get alook in. Whether he goes on to book himself a place for the big tournamentremains to be seen.With so many doubts over the fast bowlers, the role of the spinnersbecomes far more critical and Dravid agreed when this was put to him.”The experience of Anil [Kumble] and Harbhajan might give us the option of usingthem even in the Power Plays,” he said. “If we’ve got four experiencedbowlers and Anil and Harbhajan can do a job for us in the twenty overs ofthe Power Plays it may even give us the option of playing an extra batsman.”The reason why most teams want to play three fast bowlers is thePower Plays. But with the experience of our two main spinners they might beable to do that job and that could be quite critical.” It might not only becritical to India’s fortunes, but also to Ramesh Powar’s, for as someone who’s performances are seldom mentioned, he could well find himself a place in the squadahead of one of the quick men.